Here Are Books to Get Your Child Hooked on Reading!

“Read more and their grasp on the language will improve!” 

As students or as parents, we have heard variations of the same advice. Children are always encouraged to read more and read often. Reading has been deemed as a “good habit” to instill in your children but, why is it so beneficial? 

What are the benefits of reading? 

#1 More exposure to the language 

Reading helps to expose children or non-native speakers to the language. When children are reading, they are able to see how different words are used in different contexts. The more books they read, the more words they will be exposed to. According to this study, it shows that reading has a direct impact on the child’s vocabulary. 

#2 Cultivate creativity and imagination 

Reading is also a way to engage with the child’s imagination and creativity. Research has shown that reading helps to boost one’s mental capacity. It has shown that reading helps to improve brain connectivity and increases the child’s concentration levels. Elon Musk, a well-known entrepreneur has shared that he reads up to 10 hours a day. The results of his habit have definitely proved themselves in his extraordinary creations and discoveries. 

#3 Become a better writer 

Reading regularly will help the child understand the language better and develop a natural sense of the language. Through reading the right books, children can emulate the writing style or gain inspirations for their own writing. 

#4 Develop empathy 

Reading books often allows us to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Encouraging reading as a habit since childhood can help children to get out of their egocentric stage faster than others. Being able to empathise with others is an important soft skill and it will broaden the child’s world as he or she is not able to experience the world through different people. 

How does reading English books help my child’s English? 

In Primary school, children have to write their own compositions. Reading regularly is a good way for them to learn new phrases and descriptions they can use when writing compositions. Reading often can also help improve the child’s spelling ability. 

Reading books aloud is also a good practice for them to improve their spoken fluency. This will help them with their oral examinations and their ability to express themselves in an eloquent manner. 

Reading can also improve your child’s comprehension of the language. All these are components in which your child will be tested in an English exam. Therefore, reading is a long-term habit that will benefit your child in terms of academic results and grasp of the language. 

With so many benefits from reading, you should cultivate this habit in your children as soon as possible! Here is a list of books for children aged 8 to 12, best for Primary School children! These books are well-written and interesting. They are specially selected to entertain your children while helping them improve their English.  

Best English books for Primary School Children: 

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#1 Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window 

by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi 

Genre: Autobiographical memoir 

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#2 The Graveyard Book 

by Neil Gaiman 

Genre: Fantasy fiction 

There are recordings of Neil Gaiman reading this book himself! Click on this link to listen to them. 

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#3 Harry Potter Series 

by JK Rowling 

Genre: Fantasy Fiction 

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#4 The Chronicles of Narnia Series 

by C.S Lewis 

Genre: Fantasy fiction 

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#5 Charlotte’s Web

by E. B. White 

Genre: Fiction 

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#6 Wonder 

by R.J Palacio 

Genre: Fiction 

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#7 The Mysterious Benedict Society Series 

by Trenton Lee Stewart 

Genre: Science fiction, adventure fiction 

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#8 A Series of Unfortunate Events 

by Daniel Handler, Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist 

Genre: Mystery fiction, comedy 

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#9 The Hobbit 

by J.R.R Tolkein 

Genre: Fantasy 

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#10 Artemis Fowl 

by Kenneth Branagh 

Genre: Fantasy 

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#11 Pippi Longstocking 

by Astrid Lindgren 

Genre: Fiction, comedy 

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#12 The Phantom Tollbooth 

by Norton Juster 

Genre: Fantasy, adventure fiction 

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#13 The Neverending Story 

by Michael Ende 

Genre: Fantasy 

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#14 The Jungle Book 

by Rudyard Kipling 

Genre: Fiction 

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#15 The Famous Five 

by Enid Blyton 

Genre: Mystery fiction

Here are some books to get your children started in reading! You can even read along with them and discuss about your favourite characters to help your children feel more engaged with the book. Happy reading!

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